The Dubai Free Zone has been a haven for investment since its inception in the early 1960s. Originally perceived by foreign and local business people as an office-oriented Free Zone, it is not surprising that the first industrial companies set up shop in the warehouses of Deira and Dubai Creek in the mid-1960s. Their aim was to take advantage of duty-free imports and re-export their profits, particularly to India, Egypt, and other Near East countries.
Since then there have been tremendous changes, both in the quantity and quality of services available to businesses. The growth of Dubai as a major shipping hub, with the development of Jebel Ali Port in particular, the erection of hundreds of purpose-built warehouses (especially in Deira) and other supporting infrastructure, including landing jetties at Jabel Ali Port and a spider web of road and rail links throughout, have all contributed to making Dubai an attractive location for Free Zone duty-free operations.
Many new businesses were set up in Dubai to take advantage of the lucrative market. Among the most popular is any form of retail, which depends on foot traffic and also has an online presence. The popularity of this type of business has resulted in many retailers from around the world setting up shops in Dubai.
Since then there have been tremendous changes, both in the quantity and quality of services available to businesses. The growth of Dubai as a major shipping hub, with the development of Jebel Ali Port in particular, the erection of hundreds of purpose-built warehouses (especially in Deira) and other supporting infrastructure, including landing jetties at Jabel Ali Port and a spider web of road and rail links throughout, have all contributed to making Dubai an attractive location for Free Zone duty-free operations.
Many new businesses were set up in Dubai to take advantage of the lucrative market. Among the most popular is any form of retail, which depends on foot traffic and also has an online presence. The popularity of this type of business has resulted in many retailers from around the world setting up shops in Dubai.
